Mekelesha (መከለሻ)
Mekelesha (መከለሻ) is an Ethiopian finishing spice blend for stews. It is added in the last minutes of cooking, not at the start, to give a wot a deeper, warmer flavor and one more layer of aroma. It is also spelled mekelasha.
Shop Yegna Mart Mekelesha (100 g)
What does mekelesha taste like?
Warm, deeply aromatic and peppery. It adds a spicy depth to a stew, not the burn of chili, but a deeper warmth that comes from long pepper, black pepper and cloves.
How is mekelesha used?
Mekelesha is used in stews, stirred in just before the wot is ready to serve. It is a finishing touch rather than a base spice, so a little is enough. Start with a small pinch, taste, and add more if you want a deeper flavor.
What is in our mekelesha?
Black cardamom, black pepper, long pepper, cumin, nutmeg and cloves, ground and ready to use.
Mekelesha vs berbere
Berbere is the chili spice blend you cook with from the start, and it is the base of every red stew. Mekelesha has no chili and goes in at the end, adding depth and aroma on top of the berbere.
How to store mekelesha
Keep the jar sealed in a cool, dry place, away from the stove and direct sunlight, so the aroma lasts.
Where can I buy mekelesha?
You can order Yegna Mart mekelesha online. Ours is produced in Ethiopia and packed fresh in Canada. We ship everywhere in Canada and the United States. See our shipping policy for delivery times and free shipping details.
Keep exploring
See every spice we carry in our Ethiopian spice guide, or read about korerima, tikur azmud and nech azmud.